FC Goa and Mumbai City FC played out an exciting 0-0 draw in Wednesday’s Indian Super League encounter. As the referee blew the final whistle, both sides left the field, knowing very well that either could have emerged winners on the night.
Here are 5 talking points from the game:
#1 Robin Singh endures a frustrating night
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen him,” Robin Singh said, talking about his compatriot, Sunil Chhetri prior to facing him on Wednesday. Goa’s target man endured a frustrating night, particularly in the first half.
On many occasions, he was the lone player in the opposition half as the Gaurs decided to heavily stack their midfield. Part of his infectiveness was down to his teammates not feeding him the ball when presented with the opportunity.
With such a towering striker at their disposal, Goa’s full backs and wingers were reluctant to whip in crosses and give Robin a chance to test Mumbai’s back four. He seemed extremely displeased with his side’s approach, especially for the first forty-five minutes.
#2 Mumbai’s lacklustre first half
29 – The number of touches that Sunil Chhetri managed in the first half. 23 - The number of times Diego Forlan got on the ball for Mumbai in the opening forty-five minutes. Unfortunately for the both of them, not a single touch from their combined 52 were inside the opposition box.
Mumbai’s quartet of Sony, Sunil, Diego and Defederico combined well with some slick passing. They formed cute triangles on various occasions, which left Goa’s defenders chasing shadows. But the visitors failed to pose any kind of threat where it mattered most - in the penalty box.
Forlan decided to occupy the wider and central areas of the pitch and it meant the visitors sorely missed the presence of an out and out striker- a reference point that could have largely aided them.
#3 Business end of the competition calls for attacking football
Six of the eight teams in the Indian Super League have played ten or more of the stipulated fourteen league matches. But the semi-final berths are still up for grabs. We’re now deep into the business end of the tournament, which means none of the sides can afford to sit back and absorb the pressure.
The teams that display attacking endeavour are most likely to be rewarded for the same. Even the usually pragmatic Alexandre Guimaraes, decided to field an ultra-attacking line-up for Mumbai.
However, both sides missed glorious opportunities to breakthrough. As the game entered the final quarter of the match, neither team looked content with a draw and displayed desperation and determination. The only thing missing was ruthlessness in front of goal.
#4 Chhetri and Forlan fail to take their chances
Despite being the away side, Mumbai City FC were quite positive in their approach, knowing a win could hugely bolster their chances of securing a playoff spot. It was the second half in which the visitors displayed their potency in attack but were indecisive in front of goal.
Sunil Chhetri was first presented with a wonderful opportunity to give his side the lead. Gregory made a mess with his clearance inside the box and Forlan made the most of it, feeding Chhetri who had a clear sight at goal. The Indian fluffed his shot entirely as he failed to connect.
Minutes later, the Uruguayan found himself clear on goal. His timid effort strolled past the keeper’s right hand, as Gregory eventually cleared the danger off the line, much to the relief of Goa’s keeper, Kattimani.
#5 Lack of intent proved to be Goa’s undoing
Julio Cesar punched the ground in frustration. The Brazilian missed the best and final chance of the match as he was expertly denied by keeper, Amrinder. That missed opportunity painted a vivid picture of the match that unfolded on Wednesday.
From minute one, the home side looked reluctant to take the game to the opposition for reasons unknown. Had the Gaurs come away with all three points on the night, they could have possibly found themselves occupying fourth place in the points table.
Instead, they now lie in seventh position after eleven matches. The rather free flowing Goa sat back almost for the entire first half. It proved to be their undoing as Mumbai City FC decided to go on the offensive in the second and it meant the home side lacked numbers in attack. A golden chance went begging for Zico’s men.
